It is rare enough
to have the form from the business end of the 2,000 Guineas represented in the Paris equivalent but to have the Newmarket winner Poetic Flare bouncing out to do battle again just two weeks on sets a pretty high standard for anyone hoping to deny him a Classic double.
A repeat of his Racing Post Rating of 120 from the Guineas would have been enough to win 17 of the 21 editions of the Poulains this century and on only his sixth career start the son of Dawn Approach is open to scaling greater heights.
He faces the winner of both the Dewhurst and the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere from last season in St Mark s Basilica and Sealiway, while there are other intriguing candidacies to consider. It is unlikely to be a case of click and collect for Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning.
Poetic Flare poised for second leg of Guineas treble mission
Sat 15 May 2021
Poetic Flare goes for the second leg of what could be a remarkable Guineas treble at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
The three-year-old emulated his sire Dawn Approach in winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas at Newmarket for trainer Jim Bolger and he turns out just a fortnight later for the French equivalent – the Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulains.
Bolger is hoping his exciting colt can double his Classic tally before potentially bidding for a hat-trick in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas next weekend.
“He’s come of Newmarket well,” said the Coolcullen handler.
UPDATED 6:54PM, APR 18 2021
Classic trials day at Longchamp frequently throws up as many questions as answers but, while connections associated with the fillies that fought out a blanket finish to the Prix de la Grotte can keep dreaming for another month, Policy Of Truth and Sealiway separated themselves from the pack ahead of the Emirates Poule d Essai des Poulains (French 2,000 Guineas).
The imposing Policy Of Truth and Maxime Guyon got the better of the argument in the Prix de Fontainebleau and it is a small miracle that Pia and Joakim Brandt were able to win a Group 3 with him at two, given his size and scope.
Will the European Road produce a 2021 Kentucky Derby runner? Mar 8, 2021 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com
Highland Avenue and Scott Heider’s filly
My Generation turned in winning efforts, neither is Triple Crown-nominated, and it remains to be seen if the European Road will produce a contender for Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
No Triple Crown nominees so far on European Road scoreboard
Indeed, none of the points earners through the first six races on the European Road is eligible for the Triple Crown at this stage.
High Definition, winner of the Sept. 26 Beresford (G2), is the early favorite for the Epsom Derby (G1), and trainer Aidan O’Brien has indicated he’ll prep in one of the usual classic trials. European classics are likewise on the agenda for his Irish compatriot